President Lee: "Deep Regret Over Election Management Flaws... Reasons Must Be Clarified and Accountability Ensured"

President Lee Presides Over Chief Secretary Meeting on June 4
"Swift and Reliable Countermeasures Urged"

President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep regret on June 4 over the ballot shortage incident that occurred during the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections, stating, "I express great regret over the fact that an incomprehensible flaw has emerged in election management, which should be carried out with the utmost rigor in a democratic republic."

At the Chief Presidential Secretary meeting held at the Blue House on this day, President Lee said, "It is reported that yesterday, in some areas of Seoul, residents experienced significant confusion and inconvenience due to a shortage of ballot papers," and made the above remarks.

President Lee Jae-myung is reviewing materials at the Chief Presidential Secretary meeting held at the Blue House on June 4, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

President Lee continued, "Relevant authorities must use all the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch to clearly identify the causes of the incident, and if there is accountability to be taken, it must be done clearly." He also instructed, "At the same time, I urge you to swiftly establish reliable and appropriate countermeasures so that not even the smallest infringement on citizens' voting rights ever occurs again."

President Lee further stated, "Regardless of how fierce the competition was during the election process, both the ruling and opposition parties are partners who must represent the people, protect their livelihoods, and pave the way for a better future for the nation." He added, "Now that the election is over, I ask the political community to join forces to achieve practical improvements in people's lives as mandated by the sovereign citizens, promote balanced regional development, and advance national unity."

He emphasized, "The government will also humbly accept the will of the people expressed in these local elections and actively cooperate with the newly elected local governments, regardless of party affiliation. We will do our utmost by uniting the hearts of all citizens to advance the quality of life for our people and the development of the Republic of Korea."

Previously, on June 3, at 14 polling stations—including those in Songpa, Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Dongjak—a shortage of ballots led to a temporary suspension of voting. Some voters gave up voting, while others received waiting tickets and cast their ballots after 6 p.m. In the case of the 2nd polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, voters received waiting tickets but did not actually participate in voting, prompting an extension of the voting period until 10 p.m. and encouragement to vote via apartment broadcasts.

In relation to this, Heo Cheol-hoon, Secretary-General of the National Election Commission, issued a public apology at 9 p.m. the previous day, stating, "During the voting process on June 3, a shortage of ballots at some polling stations caused significant confusion and concern among the public. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to citizens who visited polling stations to exercise their precious right to vote, and we feel a strong sense of responsibility for undermining public trust in fair election management."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.